Spotify Expands Lyrics Feature With Offline Access and Global Translations

Spotify has announced a major upgrade to its lyrics feature, introducing offline access, broader language translations, and a redesigned placement inside the app. The update reflects Spotify’s continued effort to improve music engagement while also giving users another reason to consider its Premium subscription.

The new features are rolling out across iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, marking one of the most meaningful changes to Spotify’s lyrics experience in recent years.

Offline Lyrics Come to Spotify Premium

One of the most requested additions to Spotify’s lyrics feature is finally arriving. Premium subscribers will now be able to view song lyrics even when they are offline. This update is especially useful for users who listen to music while traveling, commuting, or living in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Offline lyrics will only be available to Spotify Premium users, reinforcing the company’s strategy of using enhanced features to encourage upgrades from free accounts. While free users will still have access to lyrics when connected to the internet, offline viewing remains exclusive to paid subscribers.

Spotify has previously experimented with restricting lyrics entirely behind a paywall, a move that sparked backlash in 2024. The company later eased those restrictions after widespread complaints. With this latest update, Spotify is taking a more balanced approach by keeping basic lyrics accessible while reserving premium convenience features for subscribers.

Lyrics Move to a More Visible Spot in the App

Spotify is also changing where lyrics appear on the Now Playing screen. Instead of being tucked away, lyrics will now be displayed directly beneath the album artwork or looping background video that plays during songs.

According to Spotify, internal user testing showed that placing lyrics in a more prominent position led to higher engagement. Users were more likely to scroll through lyrics, sing along, and interact with the feature when it was easier to see.

Despite the new placement, Spotify confirms that users can still share lyric snippets to social media directly from the Now Playing screen, keeping one of the most popular aspects of the feature intact.

Lyric previews will roll out globally to both free and paid users, ensuring that everyone benefits from the improved layout, even if they are not subscribed to Premium.

Global Expansion of Lyrics Translations

Spotify is also significantly expanding its lyrics translation feature. First introduced in 2022, lyric translations were previously limited to about 25 markets. With the new update, translations will now be available worldwide.

When a translation is available, users can tap the translate icon on the lyrics card to view the translated text beneath the original lyrics. Spotify states that translations will automatically appear in the language set on the user’s device, making the feature seamless and easy to use.

This global expansion reflects Spotify’s growing international audience and the increasing popularity of music across language barriers. Fans can now better understand songs in foreign languages, helping artists reach new listeners and deepening cultural connections through music.

A Long Journey for Spotify Lyrics

Spotify’s path to offering full lyrics has been a long one. For years, the company struggled with licensing issues that delayed a global rollout. Before offering real time lyrics, Spotify partnered with Genius to provide a behind the lyrics experience, which combined partial lyrics with trivia and background information about songs.

While informative, that experience did not fully satisfy users who wanted complete lyrics in sync with the music. After years of testing dating back to 2019, Spotify finally launched real time lyrics globally in 2021, answering one of its most persistent user demands.

Since then, Spotify has continued refining the feature, experimenting with layouts, access levels, and monetization strategies. The latest update shows a more mature approach that balances user satisfaction with business goals.

Why This Update Matters for Spotify

Lyrics have become an essential part of modern music streaming, especially as social sharing and short form video platforms encourage sing along moments and lyrical highlights. By improving lyrics visibility, expanding translations, and adding offline access, Spotify strengthens its position against competitors like Apple Music and YouTube Music.

For Spotify, the update is also about retention. Features that deepen engagement make users more likely to stay within the app and eventually upgrade to Premium. Offline lyrics, in particular, add tangible value for paying users without alienating free listeners.

As streaming competition intensifies, small experience upgrades like these can have a big impact on user loyalty.

also read Samsung Introduces Smart Privacy Protection to Stop Shoulder Surfing on Galaxy Phones

FAQs

What new lyrics features has Spotify introduced?

Spotify has added offline lyrics access for Premium users, moved lyrics to a more visible position on the Now Playing screen, and expanded lyrics translations to be available globally.

Are offline lyrics available for free Spotify users?

No. Offline lyrics are exclusive to Spotify Premium subscribers. Free users can still view lyrics while connected to the internet.

Which devices support the new lyrics update?

The update is rolling out on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

How do lyrics translations work on Spotify?

When available, users can tap the translate icon on the lyrics card to see translated lyrics displayed beneath the original text. The translation matches the language set on the user’s device.

Can users still share lyrics on social media?

Yes. Spotify confirms that lyric snippets can still be shared directly from the Now Playing screen.

Why did Spotify take so long to roll out lyrics globally?

Licensing challenges delayed the global rollout. Spotify finally introduced real time lyrics worldwide in 2021 after years of testing and negotiations.

Also read ChatGPT Introduces Apps Beta: 8 Powerful Apps You Can Now Use Without Leaving ChatGPT

Call to Action

If you love singing along, discovering international music, or listening offline, now is the perfect time to explore Spotify’s updated lyrics experience. Check your app for the latest update and see how these new features change the way you enjoy music. For uninterrupted listening and offline lyrics, c

onsider upgrading to Spotify Premium and unlock the full experience today.